Campus Policy for Governing the Use of Alcohol in Residence Halls

All University at Albany students who live in residence, and their visitors/guests, are subject to New York State Law and the University at Albany’s policy regarding possession and consumption of alcohol, as well as specific policies governing the Residence Halls.

Residence Halls are defined as the quadrangles and the University Apartment complexes, including outdoor areas. The boundaries of Indian, State, Colonial and Dutch Quadrangles are defined by the first paved roadway or sidewalk adjacent to the quadrangle. Indian and Dutch Quadrangles include the playing fields adjacent to the west and east respectively with regard to the application of this policy. The boundaries of Alumni Quadrangle are defined by the exterior city sidewalks surrounding the quad. The boundaries of Freedom Quad are defined by the entrance road to the complex from Tricentennial Drive. The boundaries of Empire Commons are defined by the University roadways surrounding the complex.

Alcohol Policy in Freshmen Designated Residence Halls

Alcoholic beverages are never permitted in freshman residence halls. This includes all residential buildings on Indian Quad and the designated freshman buildings on State Quad. Visitors or guests of students residing in these areas are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol in these areas regardless of whether they are of legal drinking age. These areas are designated as alcohol free.

Alcohol Policy for Students Under 21 Years of Age Living in Non-Freshmen Areas

A person under 21 years of age may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages at any time on the University at Albany campus.
No possession or consumption of alcohol is permitted by any student or guest in private residence rooms where all the assigned residents are under 21 years of age.

Visitors or guests of students under 21 years of age are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol in the suite or bedroom of an underage student regardless of whether they are of legal drinking age.

Alcohol Policy for Students Over 21 Years of Age Living in Non-Freshmen Areas

The following regulations regarding alcohol use apply to students and visitors/guests in the non-freshmen areas who are 21 years of age or older:

No individual student may possess more than 12, 12 oz bottles/cans of beer (or the equivalent), or one liter of hard liquor or wine at one time in their assigned residence room/apartment. Guests or visitors are prohibited from bringing alcohol for consumption or distribution into any residence hall room/apartment.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for men or four or more drinks on one occasion for women. Binge drinking is strictly prohibited.

Individuals of legal drinking age may not provide alcohol to underage roommates, suitemates, visitors or guests.

Drinking games (e.g. beer pong) and other activities that promote the irresponsible use of alcohol are prohibited. This includes the use of alcohol paraphernalia such as funnels and ice luges.

Behavior that encourages or contributes to excessive alcohol consumption by another student is prohibited.

Carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages or consuming them in any public area of the campus is prohibited. This includes movement between residence hall rooms or apartments with an alcoholic beverage.

Compliance with all requests by University officials, including Residential Life staff or University Police, for proof of 21-year-old status is required. If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that alcohol might be in squeeze bottles, cups or other such containers, University staff reserve the right to approach students and hold individuals accountable under the provisions of this policy.

Possession, consumption, and storage of alcohol are prohibited in all public areas, e.g. lounges, hallways, stairwells, common bathrooms, or outdoor areas.

Driving on University property while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited and will result in arrest, loss of driving privileges on campus, and possible suspension or expulsion from the University.

Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention Services and Programs

The University Counseling Center provides alcohol and drug prevention services and educational programs. The University Counseling Center can be reached at (518) 442-5800. Middle Earth Crisis Intervention can be reached at (518) 442-5777 and on the web at www.albany.edu/counseling_center/middle_earth.

Both the University Counseling Center and the Middle Earth Peer Assistance program are located at 400 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Suite 104 Albany NY 12206.

The Incident-Sanction Protocol for Alcohol & Other Drug Violations

The sanctions specified in the following chart are the minimal expectations applied by staff in most student conduct cases involving alcohol and other drugs. The University’s response is not restricted to those sanctions listed in the protocol. Students are advised that illegal possession and/or use of alcohol and other drugs are strictly prohibited at the University.

The University at Albany’s Good Samaritan 911 Policy supports students who reach out for assistance in the case of a medical emergency, as well as supports the student who is helped. Therefore, a student or student organization seeking medical treatment for him/herself, or for any other student who is in immediate medical need, or any student who is the recipient of this emergency medical help, will not be subject to disciplinary sanctions related to the violation of using or possessing alcohol or other drugs, as defined in Community Rights and Responsibilities (Prohibited Conduct Drugs and Alcohol). This policy applies to emergencies both on and off campus. FAQs related to how this policy is implemented are available at:http://www.albany.edu/studentconduct/good_samaritan.php.